Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlHard
A medical assistant is tasked with sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments that cannot withstand the high temperatures of an autoclave. Which of the following sterilization methods would be most appropriate for these instruments?
- ASteam sterilization (autoclave)
- BBoiling water for 30 minutes
- CEthylene oxide (gas) sterilization
- DDry heat sterilization
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Ethylene oxide (gas) sterilization
Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization is a low-temperature method suitable for heat-sensitive instruments. Autoclaving and dry heat use high temperatures, and boiling water is disinfection, not sterilization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Steam sterilization (autoclave) uses high heat and pressure, making it unsuitable for heat-sensitive instruments.
- B. Boiling water is a method of high-level disinfection, not sterilization, as it may not kill all spores.
- D. Dry heat sterilization also uses high temperatures, typically higher than steam, and is not suitable for heat-sensitive items.
Sterilization for Heat-Sensitive Instruments
For instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures, ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization is an appropriate low-temperature chemical method to achieve sterility.
- Used for heat-sensitive items.
- Chemical sterilization method.
- Requires specialized equipment and aeration.
Memory trick: Heat-Sensitive? EO is the Easy Option.